Exploring Ha Long Bay and Nearby Attractions

Ha Long Bay is located in the Tonkin Gulf, Quáng Ninh Province, and northeast of Vietnam. Its major identifying attraction is its deep emerald waters interspersed with thousands of lofty limestone karst and isles and amazing biodiversity. Several of these are cavernous and many have island lakes such as the Dau Be Island with six of these. This renowned national landmark has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and a one of the new seven wonders of the New 7 Wonders Foundation.

The breathtaking scenery and karst formations reflect antiquated geological processes. It has tremendously evolved over 500 million years from era to era resulting in what the world now sees as splendid prehistoric marine limestone buildup. The one-of-a-kind Karst formation is a product of tropical climatic factors (presence of limestone) and geological processes (erosion and gradual tectonic uplift).

On top of the enigmatic geological processes, the amazing value of Ha Long Bay as a tourist destination is made more enticing by its biodiversity, local culture, history and archaeology. As an enormous conservation area for its flora, it offers some of the world’s rarest species. It has several productive ecosystems harboring an unbelievable array of flora and fauna.

How to Explore Ha Long Bay

Finding a way to explore this attraction is easy because virtually every tour operator offers an excursion to this tourist spot. Since getting to the bay takes about 6 hours to and fro, the popular tours are one-night to 2-day tours with the return trip spent on a night trip by the sea. Longer trips are also available if you want an extended stay.

Explore islands such as Stone Dog and Teapot islands by junk boat tours or sea kayak expeditions. The region is a magnet that attracts rock climbers, scuba divers, naturalists, and hikers. The mountainous Cát Bà National Park is a popular destination.

Duo competition, trips that budget tours abound, but many are wanting in terms of safety features and comfortable amenities. Mid-ranges are recommended, and if you can afford it, there are luxury tours and cruises that offer distinctive tours you’ll certainly enjoy. Rough Guides’Organized tours of Ha Long Bay offers this information:

Buffalo Tours: … Impeccable tours on one of the best junks around – the Jewel of the Bay. The seafood is as delectable… and kayaking is included in the cost of the trip…at $159 per person.

Emeraude: … A replica of a nineteenth-century paddle-steamer, the five-star Emeraude is one of the most luxurious vessels on the bay … From $169 per person.

Handspan: … perhaps of most interest is the trip around the less-visited Bai Tu Long Bay ($165 per person), which eschews the usual caves for excursions to fish farms and local schools.

Life Resorts: … Fancy your own luxury vessel? On these tours it’s just you … From $600 for a night on board, much cheaper for day-trips.

Paradise Cruises: …Sumptuously decorated cabins hint at high luxury – this is the only operator that expects guests to dress for dinner … From $190 per person.

If you’re a seasoned traveler or backpacker, going independent or DIY is tempting. The cost may not be significantly different from a tour, but it can certainly whet your appetite for adventure. Head to Ha Long City then to Bai Chay where you can pick a boat ride of your choice.

Things Not to Miss When in the Area

Enjoy this destination with this Rough Guides’ list of the things that every tourist must try and enjoy when in Ha Long Aside from exploring Ha Long, there are 24 exciting things you can do:

Nha Trang – More snorkelling await if you’ll take time out to go to the outlying islands around Nha Trang.

Lovely Time to Go

You can come here any day of the year. If you want to come here at a time when the weather is cool and drizzly, February, March and April would be perfect. If you want to avoid tropical storms, avoid the months between May and October.

About Us

Barbara Walsh-Kumm and John Kumm have established this website in order to provide the avid visitor with current hints and tips, news and opinions relating in general to travel, and more particularly to overseas trips, vacations and holiday adventures.